Blue Leg Veins: Causes and Treatments

There are a few perfectly natural reasons why you might notice blue veins in your legs. The lighter or thinner your skin is, the greater than chance that veins will be visible through the skin. Blue veins are often more visible in people with fair skin, who have a thin or athletic build, who lift weights regularly, or who have recently lost a lot of weight. Blue veins can also be a natural sign of aging, puberty, or pregnancy.

However, if your blue veins seem to bulge out from the skin or are bunched together, and have the appearance of bubbles, worms, or bruises, then this could be a cause for concern. If you notice any of these symptoms and if you’re experiencing pain and discomfort such as aching or swollen legs, heavy-feeling legs, leg cramps, or restless legs, then you should get yourself checked out by a vein specialist as these are common signs of venous disease.

Veins that appear in web-like clusters that spread out across the legs close to the surface of the skin are a common sign of a condition called spider veins. The other most common vein disease, varicose veins, is characterized by thick, ropey veins that are lumpy and noticeably larger than normal.

Varicose veins and spider veins are usually blue or red in colour, but they can also appear purple or greenish. Blue veins can show up on any part of the leg including the hips, ankles, calves, and behind the knees, but they are most commonly found on the outer and upper thighs.

In addition to being unsightly and painful, these conditions can lead to more serious complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), if left untreated.

Even blue veins that are harmless health-wise can still make you feel self-conscious. If you find yourself avoiding wearing bathing suits, skirts or shorts because of the blue colouring on your legs, then this is another perfectly valid reason to seek treatment.

If your blue leg veins are causing you pain or if they’re having a negative impact on your self-confidence, don’t hesitate to make an appointment at Canada Vein Clinics to see what your options are regarding vein treatment. We have locations in Ottawa, Halifax, Richmond Hill, Orleans, Moncton, Vaughan, Kawartha Lakes, Kanata, Dartmouth, and Toronto. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.